P0506 OBD Error Code: Problem & Solutions

<<See All OBD Codes

When the P0506 diagnostic trouble code is stored by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), this points out that the revolutions per minute (RPM) of the idle control system is lower than anticipated.

These days, a majority of vehicles have an electronic throttle control. The sensors and PCM control the throttle and the idle air control system controls the engine idle speed.

Furthermore, according to the engine idle speed, the Idle Air Control System manages the air conditioner, heater blower, and windshield wipers as well.

When a vehicle is moving aimlessly, the engine idle speed should stay at a range between 750 RPM and 1000 RPM. If the engine idle speed plummets lower than 750 RPM, then the PCM will store the P0506 diagnostic trouble code.

What causes this problem with the Idle Air Control System RPM Lower Than Expected?

• Defective idle air control motor
• Leaking vacuum
• Dirty and/or failed throttle body
• Failed power steering pressure switch
• Plugged up air intake or exhaust
• Trouble with an internal engine component
• Faulty PCV valve
• Defective PCM

1. Scanner - A car diagnostic exam gives a fast and correct evaluation of your vehicle.
   It depends on a computer operation that connects to the vehicle's computer processor, sensors, and microchips, recording any issues that are current. It can unravel errors that already exist, which include issues with the exhaust, transmission, oil tank and other systems. Mechanics will search your vehicle's onboard computer, record any diagnostic trouble codes, and detect for service information given by your vehicle's industrialist. If it’s necessary, a mechanic will conduct a road test or visual survey to help with affirming the problem. Other times, a all-inclusive battery and charging system inspection or other tests will be acceptable to determine other issues that concern your car.
2. PCV Valve - A blocked PCV valve leads to many a range of engine issues. Pressure starts building and gaskets, including oil seals may start failing. When an engine starts suffering from a series of oil leaks, we should always do an analysis on the PCV system. Other problems bubbling to the surface is when airflow carries out vapours coming from the crankcase. If having no airflow, then what remain are moisture contamination and an accumulation of sludge, which is so often the aftermath. Operating the engine with inadequate ventilation can easily lead to a case of engine sludge. It is an effective approach to practice having the PCV valve replaced each time during the process of a tune-up. To keep sludge from building-up inside the oil pan, which usually causes the PCV valve to falter, change the engine oil and flush the engine on a typical basis.
3. Power Steering Pressure Switch - The diaphragm and switch elements are purposefully for consistent flexing and heating. In a timeframe, this causes failure in the pressure switch. When this happens, the power steering demands data that will not circulate to the engine ECU. As a result, the surplus loads applied by the steering system will not be reimbursed. A power steering oil pressure switch that’s failing can exhibit numerous symptoms: Engine revolution per minute (RPM) is submerging when the power steering is performing. Engine comes to a stop during the low-speed steering or parking motions. Engine management light (EML) is turning on. Power steering is critical part of your vehicle and is an issue of safety, so investigate a handy mechanic to take care of this problem as soon as possible. 

It’s very important to learn about the symptoms of a problem, as by that time you will be able to solve the issue. Therefore, we have listed out some major symptoms of OBD Code P0506 described below:

Common Symptoms

Such symptoms also come with a high or low engine idle RPM, an engine stopping at lowering speeds when the accelerator pedal is not activating, an engine stopping irregularly when unleashing the throttle, a stored trouble code, and an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp

• Detect Engine Light to come on
• Lowering engine idle speed
• Course engine idle
• Erratic idling
• Engine stalls when car suddenly stops

Wanting to correct the Trouble Code P0506? Read through these points as described below:

• Replace idle air control motor
• Repair all vacuum leaks
• Replace idle air control valve
• Clean dirty throttle body
• Replace failed throttle body
• Clear blocked passage in the air intake or exhaust
• Replace a faulty PCV valve
• Replace the power steering pressure switch
• Diagnose and repair all other codes that PCM has stored
• Replace or reprogram the PCM

Parts Avatar Canada is available to help solve all your problems that are associated to vehicle components. We have successfully stocked a wide variety of best-priced Scanner, PCV Valve, Power Steering Pressure Switch and much more to help you out in repairing your vehicle.

It is very important to diagnose this code defect. These are a few good steps that a mechanic should follow for diagnosing the issue that targets a stored P0506 code:

• Use an OBD-II scanner to gather all of the trouble codes that the PCM stores.
• Visually detect the freeze frame data to visualize what the conditions of the engine were when setting the P0506 diagnostic trouble code.
• Clear the code or codes, and then conduct a test drive to notify if the code returns.
• On the OBD-II scanner, the mechanic will view the data stream; comparing the present engine idle RPM with the manufacturers pre-set idle RPM levels.
• Test the engine idle revolutions per minute (RPM) by cranking on the air conditioner and heater blower motor. The mechanics will put a range of loads on the engine throughout this stage of processing the diagnosis to determine if the PCM is capable of conserving a usual engine idle speed.
• Examine the throttle body for any vacuum leakage and high carbon accumulation. If all signs show there is high carbon accumulating, then have the throttle body cleaned.
• Visually check data live on the OBD-II scanner to view if the idle air control system and PCM is functioning correctly.
  
  

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing the P0506 Code

At times, other diagnostic trouble codes the PCM has stored are in addition to the P0506 trouble code. These kinds of codes must be checked to prevent any incorrect diagnosis. It is especially critical to detect for vacuum leaks and carbon accumulation in the throttle body air channels.